Mount Gay has unveiled the Master Blender Collection: The Port Cask Expression. The third limited-edition Rum in exclusive series that celebrates the world’s oldest running Rum distillery, this is the first time in history the brand has incorporated the use of Tawny Port casks.
Created by the Distillery’s first female Master Blender, Trudiann Branker, The Port Cask Expression follows in the footsteps of Branker’s the award-winning Pot Still Rum, her first release as Mount Gay Master Blender.
“For this expression, I wanted to take our rum making to another level and utilize a cask that we don’t typically work with at Mount Gay, while still remaining true to over 300 years of brand heritage,” stated Branker. “After trying different casks and evaluating the resulting flavors, I selected Tawny Port casks for the bold expression of notes typically found in Port. I am thrilled to release this rich and multi-faceted rum, as well as create something unique and different as part of the Master Blender Collection.”
To create the unique expression, Branker used a blend of Rums distilled in a traditional column still aged for five years in Tawny Port casks, together with rums double distilled in a copper pot still aged for 14 years in American Whiskey casks and finished in Tawny Port casks for one year.
The resulting liquid features aromas of vanilla, caramel, almond, and dried fruit. The palate offers flavors of cherry, dried fruit, oak, spice, prune, currents, and almond. According to those behind it, the Rum is best enjoyed neat with dark chocolate.
The Master Blender Collection debuted in 2018 with XO: The Peat Smoke Expression created by former Master Blender Allen Smith.
Bottled at a cask strength of 55% ABV, the Mount Gay Port Cask Expression will be limited to 2,100 750ml bottles in the United States and is currently available for presale on ReserveBar and then nationwide at select retailers for $175.
